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News Matters On this week down the years 7 December 1941: Japan launches a surprise attack on American bases in the Pacific and declares it is at war with Britain and the United States. 8 December 1980: Former Beatle John Lennon is shot dead by an unknown gunman who opened fire outside the musician’s New York apartment. 10 December 1990: The first of the hostages held in the Gulf for four and a half months arrive in Britain after their release by Saddam Hussein.
feared dictator: Saddam Hussein
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CITYMATTERS.LONDON
TfL makes huge cycling promise CYCLISTS traversing the City and its neighbouring boroughs have been given an early Christmas present by the Mayor of London and City Hall. Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a total of £190,000 to 46 community cycling projects to encourage London’s populace get in the saddle more safely and more often. The financial packages were announced as part of the Cycling Grants London programme, which is managed by the environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London. Community groups from 23 boroughs have been awarded funding for a range of initiatives including cycle skills sessions, guided rides and courses to teach basic maintenance skills. Ben Plowden, TfL’s director of surface strategy and planning, said: “Cycling leads to a healthier lifestyle, a cleaner environment and is a great way to get around the city.
in the saddle: cycling has been given a boost
Time to make a call on old tech NEARLY five million Londoners have an old phone lying forgotten around their home – with £90million of retro tech estimated to be stashed away in the Capital. A study of more than 2,000 people by Talkmobile found that items gathering dust at home include games consoles, vinyl record players and VCRs; with mobile phones the most likely devices to be languishing unused. Phone expert Ben Wood, from market analysts CCS Insight, has a collection of nearly 1,000 mobiles from the last three decades, and said now is a good time to cash in on vintage handhelds. “It’s now 30 years since the first mobile phone became commercially available and a whole generation of people have owned a host of different handsets over the years,” he explained. “Finding an old handset in the back of a drawer can be an evocative experience: it’s interesting that a piece of technology can induce sentimental feelings in many people.”
A MAN found guilty of sexual assaults on two women in the City has been jailed for a year. Anthony Constantinou, 35, of Walton on Thames, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 1 December following a trial at the same court in September. Charges related to offences committed in October 2014 and February 2015, both at an office in Heron Tower in Bishopsgate.
Protection
Tailored “We want more people across London to discover the benefits of cycling, and we hope that through this funding we can reach people who haven’t considered getting on a bike before and offer them support to get started.” Working with Groundwork London, TfL ensures that grants are available to community groups and charities for cycling activities that are tailored to local needs. Lindy Kelly, executive director of Groundwork London, said that cycling is a great way to get around – whether it’s to the shops, to school or work, or just for pleasure. She added: “Not only does it keep us fit, it can also help us to feel healthier, happier and more relaxed – and cycling as part of a group is a great way to make new friends too. “Groundwork London is thrilled to be able to support 30 new community cycling projects across the Capital this year, as well as continuing to work closely with those who are
Sex fiend gets year sentence
already benefitting from the Cycling Grants London scheme.” Bikeworks Commuter Train and the Muslim Charity Cycling Club are two Tower Hamlets-based organisations that will share the best part of £20,000 in funding. CarryMe Bikes, Misgav, Wheels for Wellbeing are all set for a cash injection and
operate schemes city-wide, while Southwark’s Access Sport group is another notable recipient of major funds. TfL also funds free Cycle Skills sessions in all London boroughs, and offers organisations without cycling facilities up to £10,000 worth of cycling products and services to help encourage employees to cycle to work through Cycling Workplaces.
Detective Inspector Anna Rice, from the City of London Police’s public protection unit, said: “Each of these assaults represented an extremely unpleasant ordeal for the victims and we hope that the verdict can go some small way to offering them a sense that justice has been served. “Constantinou clearly thought that his demeaning, intimidating behaviour was acceptable and the sentence has shown this is simply not the case. “I’d like to praise these women for their courage in reporting these offences to the police and throughout the trial, and I would encourage anyone else in a similar situation to contact police.”
City is crowned lord of culture club THE Square Mile has been voted the best area in England for arts and culture, according to the 2016 RSA Heritage Index. The City of London beat two other local authorities – Kensington & Chelsea (second place) and Westminster (third place) – to claim the top slot. Scarborough and West Somerset came fourth and fifth in the index for England. The poll by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce is produced in collaboration with the Heritage Lottery Fund to reveal which areas are best at using heritage to foster a distinctive identity. The annual index combines over
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120 metrics – from historic buildings to local delicacies – and also measures new forms of heritage activity, such as community initiatives and volunteering, to come up with its results. Vivienne Littlechild, chairman of the Corporation’s culture, heritage and libraries committee, said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that the City of London has been given top place in the RSA Heritage Index for England; essentially it confirms our firm belief that the Square Mile’s cultural hub is one of our greatest assets. “From Guildhall Art Gallery and the Barbican Centre to the Museum of London and
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the Guildhall School, the City of London has now become a top visitor attraction for people who take their arts and culture seriously, as well as being a global business centre.” After launching last year, the index has been adopted as an official performance measure by the government in the recent Culture White Paper. The Corporation invests some £80million every year in heritage and cultural activities of all kinds. The authority is the UK’s largest funder of culture after the government, the BBC, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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News Matters City alumna on 100 Women list A FORMER student of City University London has been named in the BBC’s 100 Women list for 2016. Liliane Landor (MA international journalism, 1989) was recognised for her role as head of languages at BBC World Service, where she helped to put ‘different voices, faces and accents’ in front of the cameras. Currently a broadcast executive, she has been with the BBC for 26 years. James Rodger, head of international journalism at the university, hailed Liliane’s work. He said: “All our students – past, present, and future – here at City, especially those on our MA international journalism [course], are fortunate to have such an inspiring role model.”
Guitar artwork hits right chords THE 24-hour Tube services are to be celebrated in musical style, with the Night Tube map featuring on 15 limited edition Fender Stratocaster guitars. They cost £1,500 from London Transport Museum.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
St Paul’s view is in ‘serious peril’ CONSERVATIONISTS are up in arms after it emerged a 42-storey development in Stratford is threatening protected views of St Paul’s. The concerned group, representing Friends of Richmond Park, has called on City Hall to take action over plans for Manhattan Loft Gardens, which they argue compromises the view of the iconic landmark from King Henry’s Mound. And their case gained traction last week when cathedral chiefs said they were “not notified or consulted by the usual and expected procedures of referral which are stipulated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Mayor of London’s London View Management Framework (LVMF) supplementary planning policy” during the development’s application in 2011.
Requirements A statement added: “We note that the LVMF states ‘development that exceeds the threshold plane of the wider setting consultation area will be subject to the same consultation and referral requirements as the landmark viewing corridor’. “At this time, it is not clear why referral did not take place and the cathedral will be glad to work with other partners to discover what lessons will be learned from this
Spreading festive cheer around the Square Mile CITY of London Police, the Corporation and the Cheapside Business Alliance are inviting locals to bring a little Christmas cheer to the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the Square Mile. A week-long ‘Give a Gift’ Christmas tree project begins today (7 December) at Bow Church Yard, off Cheapside, with the launch of the present-giving scheme marked by a special festive tribute standing tall for all to admire. But instead of the Christmas tree being adorned with tinsel and baubles there will be tags directing guests to the City of London Police website where they can sign up and ensure that every child in the City has a present to open on 25 December. The Corporation’s social care and early help teams currently provide support and care to 69 children and young people, including those with disabilities. It is the aim of Give a Gift project that every one of them has a present waiting for them to open on Christmas morning. The Lady Mayoress Wendy Parmley will be turning on the tree lights at 5pm today and members of the public are invited to attend the switch-on. City of London Police Commissioner Ian Dyson said: “I am hugely proud to bring the ‘Give a Gift’ Christmas tree project to the City of London for the first time. “I also want to thank our partners the City
in jeopardy?: the cathedral’s iconic dome
case.” Designed by SOM, the development will comprise three extensive sky gardens, a 145-bedroom hotel, almost 250 residential units, and retail and restaurant space upon completion. It is being billed as “Europe’s most ambitious residential tower.” Cathedral representatives say that it is “reasonable” for the public and statutory authorities to be concerned about the Stratford development. “The chapter has always recognised that the protected views of strategic landmarks
of London Corporation and the Cheapside Business Association, who kindly donated the tree. “We all know that Christmas is a time for giving and, if you can, please take a tag and add one more present to your shopping list for a child in need of help and protection, or those in care. “I am sure that the generosity of all those who live and work in the Square Mile will mean that every child will have a present to open.” To take part, all participants need to do is take a tag from the tree and follow the instructions. Once signed up online, they will then receive an email telling them a little bit about the recipient of the generous gift. Those unable to give a gift but who want to get involved another way can also make a donation to the City of London Police Children’s Charity online. Ade Adetosoye, director of community and children’s services at the Corporation, said: “We are proud to serve our children and families in need of help and protection here in the City. This is an excellent project to make sure every child has a present at Christmas.” Cheapside Business Alliance manager, Claire Dumontier-Marriage, added: “Partnership work is at the heart of how the City operates and it is great to see how the Alliance, City of London Police and the Corporation have come together to help make Christmas a special time of year for every child.”
has been designated for the benefit of all Londoners. “In this case we observe that LVMF requires, from the protected view from King Henry VIII’s Mound in Richmond Park, developments ‘should preserve or enhance the viewer’s ability to recognise and appreciate the dome of the cathedral… it is essential… that the clear sky background profile of the upper part of the dome remains’.” Friends of Richmond Park Chairman Ron Crompton said the situation was a tragedy and called on the GLA and the developer to temporarily halt construction while an investigation is launched. He explained “It’s a tragedy that such a wonderful and iconic protected view, between two of London’s most historic landmarks and created over 300 years ago, should be destroyed not just for today but for many years to come. “We know thousands of people are very upset by this and that a view so important to Londoners will be spoilt for many generations.” In riposte a spokesperson for the Manhattan Loft Corporation said SOM undertook a ‘transparent process’ to gain planning permission for the tower. The dispute continues.
New home for kids’ lost toys ONE child’s loss has become another’s gain this Christmas. Transport for London’s lost property office has given around 500 children’s toys and games new homes this December by donating them to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal. The charity will work with local care services in south London, including those from Lewisham Council, to distribute the toys among families and children who otherwise might not have had anything under the tree this Christmas.
Delighted Paul Cowan, manager of the lost property office, said: “Whilst over 20,000 items were reclaimed from the office last year, sadly many remained on our shelves, including hundreds of new toys and games. “We are delighted to be able to find these gifts a new home at a time of year when it means so much to so many children and their families.”
Professor makes plea for additional studies A LEADING cancer expert has demanded more research be undertaken to establish why black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a higher rate than their white and Asian counterparts. Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE, who works at Newham and The Royal London Hospitals under the Barts Trust umbrella, recently visited Nigeria to champion the need for additional studies to find out why one in four black men get prostate cancer – and why one in 12 die as a result. In October, the professor spoke at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and at the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer conference in Abuja about “the need for Africans to become more cancer aware.”
Perplexing Professor Chinegwundoh said: “Why are black men diagnosed and why do they die from prostate cancer at a higher rate than white men? This urgent and perplexing question is one that I have wrestled with for the majority of my career. “An important step that can be taken is for the black African and Caribbean community in the UK and further afield to become more cancer aware. “We need more black boys and men to understand the dangers from a young age.” Professor Chinegwundoh was shadowed on his African visit by the BBC, who aired a report on 15 November to raise awareness of prostate cancer and how it disproportionately affects black men. Here in the UK, more men
call for action: Professor Francis Chinegwundoh
contract prostate cancer than any other type of the disease. According to the charity Cancer Black Care, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in their lives. The professor added: “Although a tremendous amount of work is being done to better understand all cancers and we know that age, diet and family history are factors – more needs to be done to find out why, in this instance, race seems to play a role.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Academy sixth formers will have new home A STATE-of-the-art sixth form centre will open in September 2017, providing “firstclass facilities” for City of London Academy Southwark students. The facility will accommodate 400 teens and will be located on the corner of Rotherhithe New Road and Verney Road, a short distance from the main school site. The design process has had significant input from current academy pupils, with students involved in the first-floor plan layouts and decisions on interior features such as furniture style, colour themes and classroom design.
07-13 December 2016 | Page 5
Job hopefuls are looking the part Charity spotlight Suited & Booted
A SMALL charity operating out of St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church in Blackfriars is helping men in need prepare for job interviews by fitting them with high quality clothing, writes Lionel Wright. Suited & Booted also provides general support, including advice on interviews from recruitment professionals. Other volunteers, including stylists, come from the world of theatre, film and entertainment. Each year the charity helps over 1,000 men, a majority of whom obtain employment soon after their visit.
Aspirations
Prospect
Abigail Blessing, head of sixth form at the academy, said: “A first class learning environment has a huge positive impact upon students’ education, motivation and aspirations. “The opening of our new sixth form centre will enrich our students and inspire them to reach their full academic potential.” Catherine McGuinness, chair of the City of London Academies Trust, added: “We are committed to providing a high quality learning environment for our students and look forward to welcoming the next class of students to their new sixth form in 2017.”
Clients include ex-servicemen and people leaving care or custody, or recovering from mental illness. The charity works with 115 referral agencies, including Crisis, JobCentresPlus, the NHS, and the Probation Service. “The charity transforms lives,” says charity executive Dr Maria Lenn. “It offers a helping hand to clients faced with the prospect of a job interview. We kit them out with a smart suit, shirt, tie, shoes and accessories.” Maria continues: “Recently Suited & Booted received this testimonial from a client:
‘My most sincere gratitude for the amazing welcome and service I received in July. You made me feel so immediately relaxed and wanted, the visit became a real and instant treat. Compassion and unconditional love suffused the day and David styled me with both sensitivity, humour and generosity. The suit is incredible and I’ve felt utterly shielded in confidence wearing it. It’s been a long time since I brushed up this well and my subsequent interview was much the better because of it’.” Last month Suited & Booted held a successful fundraising event called Transformations. The event was sponsored
Accessible
dressing to impress: with Suited & Booted
Rev Sarah will be missed ST Paul’s Cathedral is mourning the loss of Reverend Sarah Eynstone (right) after she passed away last week. A statement said: “We remember with great thanks her many gifts to us: her creative and able liturgical work and
leadership.” A spokesman for the cathedral said the chapter would be commending Sarah and her family to God at services this week. All are welcome to offer their own prayers. Photo by Graham Lacdao
Beefing up HGV security OFFICERS from the City of London Police have been conducting overnight HGV stops in a bid to prevent potential acts of terrorism. Detective Inspector Dave Timmins explained that events earlier in the year have prompted a more stringent procedure when it comes to dealing with larger vehicles, and used National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week as an opportunity to promote best practice among drivers. A total of 84 people were killed in Nice, France, when an armed driver ploughed a lorry into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on 14 July. The City’s force have committed to learning all they can from the incident to prevent a similar attack taking place closer to home. “We saw in France the devastating effect larger vehicles can have if used by someone intent on terrorist activity,” said DI Timmins. “We are fortunate to have a positive relationship with HGV drivers in the City, but it is always important that drivers of all large goods vehicles are aware [of] and adhere to all legal requirements. “Smithfield meat market is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and as such it sees drivers converge there from across the continent. Our
by City law firm Dentons, which loaned its premises and provided refreshments. Topping the bill was veteran actor Dame Siân Phillips, who gave a talk on clothes and read the humorous poem Twelve Days of Christmas (A Correspondence) by John Julius Norwich. Also appearing were dance company Swing Patrol, together with director Scott Cupit, who spoke about his own experience of interviews since arriving in the UK from Australia, including his successful appearance on TV’s Dragon’s Den. Baritone Alistair Sutherland provided musical entertainment.
activity sends a strong message that we take issues of documentation and driver safety extremely seriously.” Over two nights a team from the City’s commercial vehicle unit and officers from the counter-terrorism team, together with members of the driving and vehicle standards agency, stopped 22 HGV drivers. Of those stopped, 10 had committed some form of offence; including failure to take minimum weekly rest and exceeding the fortnightly driving limit of 90 hours. A further 27 drivers were given verbal warnings about their driving hours. The number of fines handed out over the two nights totalled £2,350. The stops all took place in West Smithfield and officers were on the lookout for a variety of driving and vehicle offences, as well as conducting PNC checks. “I am pleased to say that the majority of drivers that we spoke were really responsive to the activity we were conducting,” added DI Timmins. “It was also heartening to see that most drivers had the correct documentation; their vehicles were well maintained and road safe.”
However, the charity faces upheaval and is due to leave its current home in the new year because St Andrew’s is being refurbished. “Suited & Booted is looking for premises of 1,000sq ft or more,” says Maria. “We want to stay in the City to be accessible to clients, volunteers and the many City firms which help out in different ways. “We’re also looking for more volunteers. We need stylists and people to help as wardrobe assistants and support clients with interview advice.” To volunteer at Suited & Booted, or pass on information about vacant premises, email info@suitedbootedcentre.org.uk
News Matters Texting while driving could lead to life SENTENCES up to and including life in prison are to be introduced in a crackdown on drivers who cause fatalities while using mobiles behind the wheel. The current maximum sentence is 14 years but guilty motorists face tougher rulings under new proposals. “We are determined to make sure punishment fits the crime,” said justice minister Sam Gyimah.
Mudlarkers pay a hefty price TREASURE hunters have been told to pay up as the Port of London Authority tries to preserve the heritage of the Thames. The popularity of ‘mudlarking’ has boomed in recent years, with many scavenging the riverside in hope of striking it rich with the discovery of Roman coins or ancient pottery. But a new £32 per day permit has been introduced to prevent over-harvesting. A three-year £75 permit is also available.
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CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Community Matters
What’s on when & where in the City TALK / Tough Choices: Heritage or Housing? There is a general consensus that this country is in desperate need of more housing. The one thing we can’t agree on in historic towns and villages is where and how. The housebuilders are branded vandals, while their opponents are NIMBYS (not in my back yarders). Leading architectural historian Professor Simon Thurley will explore some of the ways in which housebuilding and heritage can be reconciled and what local authorities can do about it. 7 December, 6pm-7pm Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
FESTIVAL / Truman’s Festive Fun The Old Truman Brewery will play host to live music, local food and festive cheer as local mental health charity Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest Councils bring the neighbourhood community together to raise money for the elderly this Christmas. Kick things off with a glass of mulled wine and a few carols in the forecourt from 5.30pm, followed by plenty of food, Christmas markets, raffle items and a silent auction, with all proceeds going to City and Hackney Mind. 8 December, 5pm-9pm Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL
WALK / Roman London Join the Museum of London tour guides on a journey around the Roman city of Londinium and discover what remains of this ancient civilisation. Visit the Roman Wall, the site of the amphitheatre and walk through the eastern side of the Capital to the site of Roman London’s grandest monument, the forum and basilica. 8 December, 2pm Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
ART / Christmas Card Day This year’s e-cards just not cutting it? The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists will be out in force on Christmas Card Day to showcase their spectacular talents in a live, pop up studio. This worldwide partnership of disabled artists, run by the artists themselves, creates original artworks painted either with the mouth or foot, due to not having the use of their hands. They will celebrate the day the first Christmas card was sent by civil servant Sir Henry Cole in 1843 with live painting over the lunchtime period
masterpiece: Sleigh Ride by Steven Chambers
City Heart Beats: Natasha Day
plus an exhibition of their works that you can share with your loved ones. 9 December, midday-3pm Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street E1 6AA
limited to Friends of the Museum of London and must be booked in advance. 12 December, 6.30pm Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
WORKSHOP / King Lear’s Subjects: Kent As the Royal Shakespeare Company begins to wrap up its London season for the year, take a look at their production of King Lear in more detail through the eyes of the loyal subjects. In this session, actors in the roles in current and past productions discuss the relationship of Kent with the eponymous king. 10 December, 10.30am Barbican Theatre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
KIDS / Sponge Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences throughout its performances, and encouraging lots of family interaction. Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through Sponge, a new malleable show set to an original 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. 13 to 21 December, various times The Pit, Barbican Centre, Silk St EC2Y 8DS
MUSIC / City Heart Beats London-based charity Hearts in Harmony will showcase some of the Capital’s finest musical talents while raising money to fight heart disease with a free music festival at Bishops Square. From solo vocalist Natasha Day and jazz band Arrietty Ensamble to soul rnb group Lyra Band, check out some of the latest and greatest musical artists and chow down on winter warmers from the top food trucks, all while supporting a great cause. 11 December, midday-5pm Bishops Square E1 6FQ TALK / Clothes and Biographies Fancy a sticky beak into other people’s wardrobes? The Museum of London’s senior curator of fashion Beatrice Behlen will unpack the museum’s vast ‘wardrobes’: collections of clothing that belonged to one individual. Find out about the detective work that goes into uncovering the lives of the original wearers and what clothes can tell us about people and societal developments. This special event is
Weekly Planner
Wednesday LECTURE / Tough Choices: Heritage or Housing? Thursday FESTIVAL / Truman’s Festive Fun Friday ART / Christmas Card Day Saturday WORKSHOP / King Lear’s Subjects: Kent Sunday MUSIC / City Heart Beats Monday TALK / Clothes and Biographies Tuesday KIDS / Sponge
To act as a City Matters Collection Point contact: 020 8640 6015
Find Our Collection Points: Coffee Stall In front of St Mary Abchurch, Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BA EL Vino Wine Merchant 6 Martin Lane, Cannon St, London EC4R 0DP James Shoe Care 59 Moorgate, London EC2R 6BH Jeeves Dry Cleaners 131 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BH
J Rogers & Sons - Shoe repair shop 28 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7PD
The Natural Kitchen 176 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HR
Guildhall Library Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH
Pod Good Food 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7BE
Protestant Truth Society Inc - Book Shop Lord Raglan Pub, St Martins le Grand 61 St Martins le Grand, St Pauls London EC1A 4ER 184 Fleet St, London EC4A 2HJ Merchant House Pub London 13 Well Court, London EC4M 9DN
Romo Coffee 1 Minster Court, Mincing Ln, London EC3R 7AE
Middle Library Middle Temple Ln, London EC4Y 9BT
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, Holborn, Concourse London EC4M 7RA
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, 65 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JH Sweetings Restaurant 39 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4SF The Old Bank of England Pub 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT Ye Old Cheshire Cheese 145 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BU
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Shopping Matters
It’s a wrap battle
welcome to toy town: gift heaven
City’s top 3 gift wrapping services
Wrapsody Want your gifts to stand out under the Christmas tree? Wrapsody’s ‘wrapologists’ turn paper, ribbon and perfect folding into an art form, creating a bespoke design to suit all tastes and budgets. Send your loot to their Primrose Hill studio or, if you’re feeling crafty, book into a workshop to learn how to do it yourself. wrapsody.co.uk That’s A Wrap This London and Essex-based service will not only do the gift wrapping, they’ll take care of the shopping too. No more after-work rush around the shops or standing in queues, just hand over your wish list and let That’s A Wrap look after the rest. thatsawrap.me Abokado Food chain Abokado is offering customers a free gift wrapping service at its Great Portland Street, St John’s Street and Newman Street restaurants on 8 and 15 December. Time-poor Londoners are being encouraged to kill two birds with one stone, grabbing a quick healthy bite to eat while having their gifts professionally wrapped. We’d call that a productive lunch hour. abokado.com
Curtain raiser SAY HELLO TO THE COVENT GARDEN TOY SHOP THAT’S STEALING THE SHOW FORGET entertainment, theatre has carved a more important role as a source of escapism as 2016 hurtles to a turbulent end. At least that’s one of the reasons Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop manager Simon Seddon can offer for why business is booming at the theatreinspired toy shop in Covent Garden, where others are have long closed their doors for good. “People want to immerse themselves in this world, it’s almost like a lifestyle brand,” he says, nodding towards the hoards of customers flicking through the flat-packed toy theatres
Magic is mapped out IF you needed further proof that London has officially turned into a great big festive bauble, check out this new map of all its Christmas attractions. Credit finance company Marbles has designed a guide to the Capital’s top seasonal events, markets, ice skating and shopping destinations based on the traditional Tube map. Instead of Tower Hill, you’re getting off at the Tower Bridge Ice Rink, Old Street is the Nordic Yulefeast, while Bank becomes the Christmas Fair at Draper’s Hall. And for the shoppers, Knightsbridge has been renamed Harrods, Bond Street becomes Selfridges, and toy land Hamleys takes the place of Piccadilly Circus. If you would rather stick candy canes in
your eyes than head to Oxford Circus, the map also includes the city’s top Christmas markets, including the Craft Central Pop-Up at Barbican, Taste of London Winter at Shadwell, The Tudor Christmas Market at London Bridge, and the Belgravia Christmas Market at Sloane Square. The map breaks down all the Christmas events into categories and tells you how far the walk is from the nearest Tube station. Marbles is billing the map as the perfect accessory for Christmas shoppers who want to avoid the queues, or families who don’t want to miss a single mince pie or festive fairy light this winter. Alternatively, Grinches might find it easier to just stay indoors for the duration of December.
arranged around the cramped shop at the top of the marketplace. “And they need that escapism – we’re a necessity, we wouldn’t still be here if we weren’t.” Pollock’s specialises in traditional toy theatres – both original and reproductions – from around the world. The range includes puppets, music boxes, books and games, as well as paper models, shadow boxes and dioramas designed exclusively for the shop by contemporary artists. The former offering is steeped in the shop’s history, which can be traced back to Hoxton
in the 1850s. The original Benjamin Pollock made a living supplying theatrical sheets at a ‘penny plain and twopence coloured’ from his shop opposite the famous Britannia Theatre on Hoxton Street. Pollock died in 1937 but his name and theatrical association continued, in various formats, until Marguerite Fawdry (also the founder of Pollock’s Toy Museum in Fitzrovia) opened in Covent Garden in 1980. Current owner Louise Heard says she “came with the shop” having worked for former owner and Coronation Street star Peter Baldwin for many years before taking the reins almost a decade ago. She says the business is slowly moving towards more in-house production with a small stable of contemporary artists who regularly contribute new product lines. Some of the range has been on display at Liberty, Fortnum Mason and the Royal Opera House.
Clientele Prices range from models and games at a few pounds each to £250 vintage model theatres handmade in France. Pollock’s bestseller is a Cinderella Pantomime Toy Theatre for a very reasonable £15.95. Louise says it is important that the product range and pricing reflects the diversity of the clientele – from tourists with cash to splash to kids who have found themselves with a bit of extra pocket money. However there is one thing you won’t find in amongst Pollock’s stockroom. “We don’t stock Hatchimals,” Louise says. “I can’t tell you how many times a day the phone rings with that question.” As more customers file through the door, it’s clear the omission of the small furry creatures on every kid’s wish list doesn’t seem to have hurt business during the busy festive season. “I think nostalgia and tradition is something people want at Christmas,” Louise says. “It’s that time of year.” 44 The Market, Covent Garden WC2E 8RF
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Wellness Matters
Ab-solutely fab City’s top 3 ab workouts
CXWORX This internationally-renowned Les Mills workout hones in on the torso and sling muscles that connect your upper body to your lower body. Trainers will take you through a workout that uses resistance tubes and weight plates, as well as body weight exercises like crunches and hovers. Lesmills.com/uk Get Ab Fab A strong core is so much more than a six-pack. Virgin Active’s aptly named class promises to work your back, butt, abs and obliques to build a rock solid midsection that helps ease lower back pain and prevent injury. Virginactive.co.uk Core Fitness First advertises a flatter stomach, a leaner waist and stronger abdominals in this quick and effective class that focuses on targeting the muscles of your core using a variety of equipment, including stability balls and BOSUs. Fitnessfirst.co.uk
WHY NOW IS BEST TIME TO TRY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS
Major laser WINTER has well and truly set in and, as the temperature drops, our motivation to keep up various health and beauty regimes goes right down along with it. While it’s tempting to throw another layer on and put off skincare maintenance until spring, experts say the drying effects of heaters coupled with less exposure to the sun actually makes winter the best time to try non-invasive skincare procedures, particularly laser hair removal.
What is it?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that permanently removes unwanted hair from your face and body. It is usually performed as a course of treatments at skincare clinics by qualified technicians, but there are also at-home devices on the market that are designed for self-treatment.
How does it work?
The procedure works by using a handheld device that distributes gentle pulses of laser light into your hair follicle, penetrating each strand and preventing it from producing new hair. Laser hair removal is not to be confused with Intense Pulse Light (IPL), which is another form of permanent hair removal treatment that uses a broad-spectrum pulse
hair eraser: laying down the groundwork for summer
of light to target hair follicles. The number of treatments depends on the device used, the size of the area being treated, skin and hair type, but usually at least four to six sessions are required.
What are the benefits?
Laser hair removal has been available in the UK since the mid-1990s, although the take-up here has been slower than in other more sun-loving countries. Beautician Alessandra Valencia says she found Britain about five years behind her native Colombia when it came to skincare technology, prompting her decision to open Primas Beauty Clinic with her three cousins earlier this year. The clinic offers facial treatments, semi permanent make-up and laser treatments for hair removal and skin reparation. Winter, she says, is the best time to begin a laser treatment because there’s generally a three to six month turnaround before you see results, so it’s all about laying the groundwork for summer. “Less exposure also means you’re giving your skin plenty of time to heal and any redness to settle between treatments,” she says. Primas uses a new laser treatment device called the MeDio Star NeXT Pro. It’s touted as the
fasted hair removal laser system on the market, but there’s an added benefit. “The laser penetrates deeper, which boosts the collagen in the skin, plumping it up,” she says. “It’s like a facial for your legs – no more dry, scaly skin.”
How much does it cost?
Laser hair removal treatments start at £55 per session for a small area, and are cheaper when you buy in bulk.
Where can I try it?
Primas Beauty Clinic is based at 12 Ludgate Square EC4M 7AS.
stopping a problem: bus stops could hold the key to tackling air pollution
It’s Not Magic! Bus stop air filters could fight pollution POLLUTION busting bus stops could be the answer to London’s air quality woes, according to a UK start-up. Piccadilly-based Airlabs has suggested adding oxidation filters to bus stops and the sides of buildings to zap exhaust fume particles and pump out fresh air for pedestrians. The filters, which cost around £4,000, work best in high-density areas like the City and Oxford Street, where the Capital’s pollution levels are at their worst. Airlabs chief executive Sophie Power told the Evening Standard the technology is particularly beneficial for pedestrians close to exhaust level on the road. She said: “We take in air through the unit, which is then passed out to provide clean air where people need it. “This method is low energy and low maintenance, so is well suited to the city’s
infrastructure.” Ms Power says the system, which has been given the backing of Londonbased technology group SGO, is effective against nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, pollutants commonly found in exhaust fumes that have been linked to respiratory diseases. Research by Policy Exchange and King’s College London shows that it leads to nearly 9,500 deaths each year in the Capital. If air pollution stayed at current levels it would reduce the average life expectancy across all Londoners born in 2010 by up to two years. Scientists from the environmental research group at Kings College London performed kerb-side tests in Marylebone Road and found that 87% of nitrogen dioxide had been removed from the air. Ms Power said the units have been adjusted so that they now remove “almost all” NO2 and further testing is planned for Oxford Street.
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Page 14 | 07-13 December 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Guide to the perfect Christmas
TERRIFIED OF TURKEY? SOME TOP TIPS FOR DISHING UP A JUICY BIRD
Avoiding a festive flap
TURKEY is the traditional centrepiece of a British Christmas table, but getting it there can send even experienced chefs into a flap. An estimated 10million turkeys will be consumed across the UK on 25 December, and it can be a tricky bird to get right. But with plenty of preparation time and these handy hints from the experts, readers can easily avoid a ‘merry crisis’ in the kitchen and serve up the perfect festive feast.
CH R I ST M C OV ER ED A S IS THA TO C NKS ITY M AT T E L AT E RS ST G I V E AW ’ D E TA AY! I LS B E L OW
cut above: the turkey pros have you covered
Size is everything
If you’re cooking Christmas lunch for lots of people, JF Edwards in Smithfield recommends going with two smaller turkeys (12 pounds or less) instead of a large one. “Smaller turkeys are easier to fit in the fridge and in the roasting pan, plus they cook more quickly and evenly,” the company’s Ginny Regan says. “It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with two different types of stuffing or seasoning.”
Seasons greetings
Seasoning can be as simple as a sprinkle of salt and a spring of rosemary, but you can also get a bit fancy with your flavours without overpowering the meat. James advises seasoning the leg meat with a mixture of chopped chestnuts, sage, salt and pepper.
Give it a rest
Once you’ve pulled your turkey out of the oven, Stuart advises covering it loosely with a double layer of foil and a few tea towels before leaving it to rest for 30 minutes. “This allows the meat fibres to relax and all the lovely juices to soak back into the meat,” he says.
Don’t go in cold
Stuart Thompson, fourth-generation owner of Thompsons of Smithfield and Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, advises bringing your bird up to room temperature before attempting to roast it. “Take your turkey out of your fridge at least two or three hours (depending on size) before it goes in the oven,” Stuart says. “This will ensure even cooking and stop the bird from drying out once it goes into the oven.”
starting at the cavity end, and smear softened butter between the flesh and skin,” Stuart says. “Rub additional butter all over the outside of the bird, including the legs.”
Even split
If you have gone for a big bird and want to make sure all parts are cooked to perfection, top chef James Durrant suggests a bit of slicing and dicing. “For me the breast and the legs cook at different times so, when you cook a whole bird, you tend to overcook the breast to get the legs right or vice versa,” he says. “Ask your butcher
to take the legs off the crown and bone them out. Roll them, tie them and then you can roast the crown and the legs separately, meaning both can be cooked to perfection and the leg is super easy to carve with no wastage.”
Butter up
“To keep the meat juicy use a spoon to gently loosen the turkey skin away from the flesh,
TAKE HOME A TURKEY! Win your Christmas turkey on us! One lucky reader will bag a £50 voucher to spend on their festive feast from meat and poultry specialists Thompsons of Smithfield. To enter, simply answer the following question: How long should you leave the turkey to rest when it comes out of the oven? Submit answers with your name and address to editorial@citymatters.london. Entries close 15 December. *T&C’s apply, see citymatters.london for more.
Get everything you need for your Christmas Day Roast at
Thompsons of Smithfield We supply a range of turkeys at unbeatable prices, as well as honey roast ham, pigs in blankets, smoked salmon, sausage stuffing, cheese, plus much more...
Come down to our shop in Smithfield Market between 2am-9:30am Monday – Friday, to get all you need for your Festive Feast!
As one of London Smithfield Market’s longest established names, JF Edwards (Smithfield) is recognised for the wide range of products they supply, namely beef, lamb, veal, mutton, rabbit, poultry, game and exotic meats, including wagyu beef, as well as procurements. We pride ourselves on providing our customers, who are themselves suppliers to discerning customers, with excellent service and quality. Simply said, we care passionately about what we do. We will be the best at what we do — selling the best meat to the best customers at the best prices.
We look forward to welcoming you to Smithfield Market in the coming weeks and supplying you with quality meats for your Christmas Festivities. J F EDWARDS (Smithfield) Ltd 42 Central Markets, West Market Building, London EC1A 9PS 0207 236 9721 | sales@jfedwards.uk.com
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
07-13 December 2016 | Page 15
News Matters Workers should sleep themselves into better health
City drives us round the bend... LONDON trails only Bristol in the top five riskiest places to be a motorist. The West Country city’s undesirable rank is primarily determined by a high number of vehicle-related crime, but other factors include low quality of main roads and a significant number of accidents reported in 2015. Meanwhile, a total of 9,182 accidents reported on the Capital’s streets last year – according to figures from MoneySuperMarket – was enough to put it second in the spots to steer clear of. As a result, London car insurance ranks as the priciest in the country at £817 on average, 60% higher than the national standard.
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Photographers have all London angles covered
In the frame
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... And it costs those at the wheel more than £40bn
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TRAFFIC jams will cost London drivers in the region of £42billion over the next decade. Transport information company Inrix estimate that the value of lost time because of congestion out on the roads will cost the UK as a whole £62bn by 2025. Some 20,000 ‘traffic congestion points’ in 21 cities were used to compile the data. Edinburgh (£2.8bn) and Glasgow (£2.3bn) rank second and third in the list of cities to feel the pinch of time wasted behind wheel.
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Never miss a beat... Find us online at citymatters.london or search City Matters on Twitter or Facebook.
WHILE London wasn’t the subject matter of the winning entry at the ‘Through the Lens’ national photography awards last week, many entries showing the Capital’s ever developing landscape were enough to leave guests and judges mystified in equal measure. The competition attracted more than 3,500 entries from photographers wanting to highlight every region of the UK. From the idyllic countryside to gothic architecture, dramatic coastlines to the everyday lives of people living here, there is something to be said about the beauty of Britain. Brian McCready took the winning picture on the summit of Slieve Corragh in Northern Ireland, but it is a collection of images closer to home that have peaked interest. While capturing sides of our great city not frequently framed by photographers, these entries have left people wondering where in London the talented snappers set up their tripods. Can you guess where these images were taken?
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1: Alexandra Road Estate, Edward Bray 2: Brixton, Marcela Motta 3: Notting Hill, Tatevik Vardanyan 4: Brick Lane, Tanya Rees 5: St Pancras, Monny Lam 6: Richmond Park, Adrian Jones 7: Regents Park, London Zoo, Alison Waldock 8: Trafalgar Square, Shayla Glover 9: Telecom Tower, Fitzrovia London, Faruk Kara
CITY workers should always remember to get plenty of shut eye to ensure a long and healthy life, a study says. The working day can be a long one in the Square Mile, but experts at RAND Europe in Cambridge say that people who get less than six hours of sleep a night could cut their mortality risk by 13% if they slept for at least seven instead. Researchers at RAND – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to help shape policymaking – released the data at the end of November.
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Making a game of quitting smoking A GAME developer from London has created a mobile application designed to assist smokers wanting to quit the habit. Cigbreak has been developed by Hope Caton, writer of the global hit video game TombRaider IV: The Last Revelation. Together with business partner Robin Bell, they have formed Healthy Games with the aim of making games that improve health. Cigbreak, developed with the support of Camden-based IT firm Maldaba Ltd, replicates the Fruit Ninja game by getting players to break cigarettes in order to gain rewards. Hope said: “Cigbreak is the UK’s first smoking cessation app in the form of a game. “It was co-created with a medical team and was tested on smokers throughout development. “The result is a game that is fun for smokers to play, while reinforcing their motivation to quit smoking. “Research proves that when a game mechanic mirrors the desired behaviour change in the virtual world, this change is continued and maintained in the real world. “A Canadian study proved that if smokers play a game that involves breaking or crushing cigarettes, they are 13% more likely to quit. In Cigbreak, the player swipes the phone screen to break cigarettes, hence our tagline: ‘Break the cigarette to break the habit’.” Research also indicates that 52% of video game players smoke, while 37% of non-video game players do the same. Games form the largest market share of apps comprising 33% of all downloads. “An estimated 69% of people in the UK aged eight to 74 play games on average 14 hours per week,” added Hope. “Smokers reported playing for longer durations each week and 63.7% of smokers believed computer game-based intervention would motivate them to quit.” The app is available on Apple iTunes and Google Play.